If you need to replace all or most of your teeth, you have two popular options to choose from: dental implants and dentures. Dentures have been around not just decades, but centuries. As time goes by, they become more and more advanced for both comfort and performance. But no matter how modern your “plate” may be, there’s a huge difference between dental implants and dentures and how they both feel inside your mouth.
The Way Dentures Fit and Feel Inside Your Mouth
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth. For most people, they are held in place with suction created between your denture and gum tissues or the use of dental adhesive products. Most full dentures are made of acrylic materials, while partials have a metal framework for the base (since fewer teeth are replaced.) With a full denture, your prosthesis covers the entire roof of your mouth or rests on the lower jaw, where your lips and tongue help hold it in place.
Unfortunately, conventional removable dentures can feel bulky and uncomfortable in your mouth, particularly when they become loose or ill-fitting due to changes in our bone or gum tissues. They can also cause sore spots and irritation in our mouth, and their removable nature can make them unstable during eating and speaking. You might find that you have to cut foods up into smaller bites or shift to eating softer textures than you did before since the prosthesis works differently from natural teeth.
Implants Eliminate the Denture “Plate” Across Your Palate
Dental implants, on the other hand, are permanent prosthetic devices. Whether you’re replacing one tooth, five in a row, or all of them, that are surgically placed into the jawbone. At that point, they fuse with the supporting bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable and long-lasting foundation for the replacement teeth.
Since your implants are set directly into the bone, there are no removable plates or suction needed to chew or speak. The permanent restoration gives you a stable, firm foundation that only takes up the space of an anatomical tooth. Natural designs eliminate the need for a bulky plate across the roof of your mouth, which—as most denture wearers know—can affect speech and taste because of how it covers their palate.
Movable Dentures vs. Non-Movable Replacement Teeth
Dentures are removable, which means that they can potentially move around in your mouth whenever you’re eating and speaking. This can sometimes cause discomfort and embarrassment, as well as difficulty with chewing and enunciation of certain words or sounds. Again, a lot of this is due to the bulky plate that spans across the roof of your mouth.
Implants, on the other hand, are non-movable and are anchored firmly in the jawbone, making them a more stable and reliable option for tooth replacement. They only fill in the space immediately on top of your gum tissues, where your teeth naturally stand. This position and smaller design allow for better chewing and speaking because no “plate” is getting in the way. Plus, it eliminates the need for dental adhesives.
More Freedom and Ability to Eat and Speak
Dentures can restrict your ability to eat certain foods, particularly hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. They can also make it difficult to speak clearly, as they can slip and move around in the mouth. Most people require several weeks adjusting to their new denture before they feel comfortable enough speaking on the phone, talking to people face-to-face, or going out into public to eat at a restaurant.
Implants, however, provide more freedom and the ability to eat and speak the same way you would with your natural teeth. Because they are firmly anchored in the jawbone, they can withstand the pressure of chewing and biting, allowing you to eat a wider variety of foods. Additionally, they eliminate the embarrassment and discomfort that can come with ill-fitting dentures, allowing for clear and confident speech.
Implants are the Most Lifelike Tooth Replacement
Dental implants are the most—and only—lifelike tooth replacement option available in modern dentistry. They look and feel like natural teeth, and because they are custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, they blend seamlessly with your smile. It doesn’t matter if you’re only replacing one tooth, a few teeth in a row, or are getting an All-on-4 treatment; each one is streamlined to mirror the feel of your anatomical teeth.
Implants also stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and preserving the shape and structure of your face. This can help to maintain a youthful appearance and prevent the sunken-in look that can occur with tooth loss. On a related note, wearing dentures for an extended period of time can accelerate bone loss, resulting in premature aging and changes in your facial profile. Since implants counteract bone resorption, they add a healthier and younger glow to your smile.
Dental Implants in DFW
At ARCHPOINT Implant Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality dental implant therapy and tooth replacement process. Our team of implant specialists has extensive training and experience in advanced dental implant therapies, and we use the latest techniques and technology to ensure that your implant surgery is successful and your new smile looks natural and beautiful. From 3D imaging to in-house manufacturing process, we oversee the entire experience to ensure high-quality results.
We understand that dental implant surgery or the idea of replacing your entire smile can be intimidating, which is why we offer personalized care and support throughout the entire process. From the initial consultation to the final restoration, we are here to answer your questions and address your concerns, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
If you’re still considering your options, know that dental implants and dentures are two very different tooth replacement strategies, with dental implants providing a more stable, comfortable, and lifelike alternative to dentures. Call ARCHPOINT Implant Dentistry today to discuss all of your options and find out which choice is right for you!
